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Toronto Raptors dividends coming early with increased minutes/role of Powell and Wright

By Alex Murphy

Feb 28, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Darrun Hilliard (6) gets defended by Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) and guard Delon Wright (55) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 114-101. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Darrun Hilliard (6) gets defended by Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) and guard Delon Wright (55) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 114-101. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Versatility added to bench core of Toronto Raptors with emergence of Powell and Wright.

Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri has made a big move regarding his roster by acquiring Serge Ibaka. In doing this, rotational player Terrence Ross has been dealt to the Orlando Magic. This move helps Raptors Head Coach Dwane Casey  give ample opportunity and additional playing time to second year players Delon Wright and Norman Powell. Solid play has helped Powell earn minutes coming off the bench all season for the Toronto Raptors. Powell’s strong defence (1.6SPG per 36 minutes) and slashing play style fit nicely with the other core players.

Delon Wright has been a relative unknown as he has been hurt (labral tear, shoulder surgery) his entire second year. I will be the first one to say I made a mistake in saying Wright hasn’t panned out.  I stated this in one of my previous article regarding trade options for the Raps. It has only been a couple games but from what I have seen, Wright has made me nothing but excited. The length and athleticism he possess standing at six-foot-five for a point guard is something coveted by many teams in the NBA.

Showing flashes of something special

On Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets the way Powell and Wright played to finish the game was outstanding. Getting after it on both ends of the floor especially the defensive end is something the Raptors needed badly. Wright’s ability to get into his man on defense and at the same time play passing lanes like a veteran is impressive. Delon must be careful not to overcommit as this can get his big men Jonas Valanciunas and Serge Ibaka into foul trouble.

The loss of Ross will mean a direct hike in minutes for Norman Powell. His career is just getting started but I believe the way he defends is something essential in helping the Raptors get back to the Eastern Conference Finals. He played great defense in the playoffs last year against one of the league’s top players in Paul George. His minutes uptick coupled with his increased role this year will only speed up his development. I am confident this will help Powell and make sure he is well prepared for this year’s upcoming playoff run.

Feb 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) controls the ball against Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) in the second half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) controls the ball against Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky (44) in the second half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

I look forward to the steady increase of minutes and roles for these two players. My hope is with strong play from Powell and Wright along with the acquisition of Serge Ibaka this can take the Raptors back to Eastern Conference dominance. The Cleveland Cavaliers should be worried about the Toronto Raptors because I think this year they will be ready.

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